There are voices everywhere.
Some are just whispers.
Others are like sonic booms.
Before you call the men in white coats, think about it; you hear them too.
Some times the words from our past come back to haunt us. They remind us of our previous failures.
Some times they come from those around us. The words of others can have either positive or negative impact. Their words can be used to build us up or tear us down. Some times the one speaking isn't even aware of their possible impact. Sadly, there are also times when some are so full of hurt that the only way to feel better is to make others as miserable as themselves.
But I've learned something...
Words are just words.
Deep, I know, I'll give you a second to bask in the brilliance.
.
.
Okay, now allow me to explain.
As I said, we hear things from many sources. But how we receive them is what determines whether they touch us.
I'm learning that we are insulated. We can choose what we allow to touch us and how. Someone tells you that you possess the qualities that makes you a good friend. You can accept those words. (Sadly, we often times find it difficult to receive/believe compliments.) And if someone tells you that you will never amount to anything of any good in this life- You can recognize it as a lie and refuse to let it affect us.
I spent too many years believing that the negative words spoken to me were true. But I have come to realize that there are negative influences everywhere. Just take a minute reading comments on online articles and the like. People seem to derive pleasure from attacking others.
I have chosen to take the power back. We have the choice whether to allow crippling words to distort our view of ourselves.
So what do we do?
First of all, I believe we need to break the cycle. The easiest thing to do would be to lash out at the ones that hurt us. But that usually ends up snowballing into a giant mass of hurt and negativity. Instead, we must recognize the lies that do not come from God. God is truth. God is love. If words are not tempered by truth and love they are garbage. Turn your back on them and seek that which is good and perfect.
Someone once told me that words are like USPS packages. When they arrive at our door, we can either sign for them or let them pass on by.
ReplyDeleteI've found that metaphor particularly helpful when those words of discouragement seem to come from within. It's so easy to internalize those things, even when they're clearly laced with the stench of hell. Those words are not from within-- they're from somewhere else-- and we don't need to sign for them.
Great thought Erik! Thanks for sharing!
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